Beyond the Flames of Protest Part II: Solutions and Moving Forward with a Plan

Published: June 15, 2020

By: Willie Barney, Co-Publisher Revive Omaha

Beyond the Flames: Why I Believe 2020 is a Turning Point

Where Do We Go From Here? Transformation 2025

Part II: Moving to Solutions

Omaha might not be in flames now, but we have a playbook. George Fraser has called Omaha the Montgomery of the economic rights movement. Pastor Freddie Haynes calls it the Selma of the next great movement. They and others believe there are answers in Omaha.

On a personal level, after years of reading, researching and studying solutions, we embarked nearly fifteen years ago on a journey to move the dial and change the trajectory of our community. Hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents, both youth and adults, have participated. Both black and white. Both civilian and police. North, South, East and West.

I’m hopeful because through collaboration, we have made measurable progress in 8 of 10 key areas.

Through the collective efforts of hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents:

Gun violence was decreased by 74%
African-American high school graduation rates increased from 64% to 81%.
The percentage of African-Americans with a bachelor’s degree increased from 16% to 22%.
African-American unemployment was reduced from nearly 21% to 7.5%.
Employment for youth increased from 30 summer jobs to over 1,000.
The African-American poverty rate was reduced from 33% to 24%.
A new grocery store was built, some neighborhood stores were converted and fresh fruit and vegetables were brought to the community.
The Affordable HealthCare Act reduced the percentage of uninsured and did not penalize for pre-existing conditions.
Major revitalization efforts were launched, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in public/private investments.
A new wave of innovative black entrepreneurs is emerging.

One of the most significant areas of progress is the work we’ve done collectively to build stronger partnerships between police and community and begin addressing justice issues. Body cameras, diversity training, open communication, police diversity and reductions of use of force have resulted from collaboration. In Omaha, a city of 460,000, there has been one officer involved shooting in the past eighteen months. Cities across the nation are looking to replicate the Omaha 360, a nationally recognized model.

To be sure, we never thought the work was done. We know significant gaps still exist. Yet, we also know that it is possible to move the dial.

In 2014, partly fueled by the flames of Ferguson, we made a proposal to accelerate the progress of African-Americans and North Omaha and identified the level of investment it would require. The plan became known as Transformation 2025 Initiative. It was based on the input of over 8,000 people, implementation of successful projects and aligned with the findings of the Kerner Report and Freedom Agenda.

We secured some initial investments. We aligned efforts. We built effective collaborations. We pushed for large scale investments with specific goals, strategies, initiatives, programs and policies identified.

The areas where we secured funds we have been able to produce tangible, measurable results. But when it came to the larger proposals, we were told there are no additional funds.

“Where would we ever find that level of funding?”

Omaha can find the funds when it becomes a priority. Hundreds of millions of dollars for downtown redevelopment. $140 million for the TD Ameritrade baseball stadium. Hundreds of millions for a new Buffett Cancer Center. $200 million just approved by citizens to improve streets and the list goes on. To be clear, these are all great investments for the City of Omaha. I stand in full support. They are all needed and benefit the city and region. However, these investments prove the point: Omaha and other cities can move the dial and we can find the resources to do what we prioritize.

As described by Obama Foundation officials who visited our community, “Omaha is a get it done city.”

We are now faced with the same decision that the nation and city confronted in 1968.

Invest in people or invest in prisons? Invest in residents or invest in buildings. Invest in prevention or invest in penalties. Invest in proactive solutions or civil unrest.

In 2020, what decision will we make? This is our turning point.

We know how to put out the fire. I believe that collectively, with the fires raging and in the midst of a pandemic, we will make the right decision. In the words of Dr. King, “We will finally make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”

As African-Americans, we must unite and do our part. Support black businesses and businesses in North Omaha. Vote. Create generational wealth. Continue reinforcing the importance of education. Take care of our health. Work together to address justice and reform. Engage with the community to address race relations and inequities. Use all of our gifts and assets. Partner with allies.

Omaha. America. You must do your part. Listen. Allow African-Americans and residents from neighborhoods most impacted to lead. Partner and support. Be an ally. Implement new policies to reform the justice system. It is time to invest at the scale of the problem.

Invest in entrepreneurship and access to credit and capital. Invest in employment, diversity and higher wages. Invest in safe, affordable housing and mixed income neighborhoods. Invest in education and high performing school models. Invest in prevention, intervention, community policing and reentry programs. Invest to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all.

We can all win. Let’s design a society and democracy that works for all of its citizens. The rest of the world is watching. Will this grand experiment finally and fully become what it can be? A place where all citizens are spiritually, economically and socially thriving, healthy and prosperous.

In Omaha, the early indications from all sectors is that it will be different this time. We have the will and the appetite to make this the turning point. We can put the flames out for good this time.

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Two additional thoughts. There are other plans that have been developed and numerous individuals and groups who are working diligently on their initiatives, projects, programs and policies. Our goal is to create a combined plan that we can all work on together and do our part in a collaborative way.

In addition, many individuals, organizations, foundations, businesses and ministries have invested tremendous amounts of time, talent and treasure into various initiatives generating measurable outcomes. We should pause and recognize these committed partners. Now, together, we will focus more intensely on wealth, health and ownership.

NEWS

20th Anniversary Leadership Conference; career advancement, entrepreneurship & community impact

Omaha, Nebraska

Residents, entrepreneurs and civic leaders from Omaha and across the country will gather Oct. 1-2 at CHI Health Center Omaha for the Empowerment Network’s 20th anniversary African American Leadership Conference, a three-day event focused on business growth, wealth building and leadership.

This year’s conference, themed “This Is Our Season,” will mark 20 years since the Empowerment Network hosted its first leadership meeting in 2006. Programming will focus on entrepreneurship, career advancement, leadership development, mindset mastery, and civic engagement, with a particular emphasis on expanding economic opportunities.

Over the past 20 years, the Empowerment Network has worked with hundreds of organizations, businesses, ministries and leaders to launch and expand signature initiatives. Step-Up Omaha, Omaha 360, Cradle to Career, North Omaha Village Zone Plan, Christmas in the Village at 24^th and Lake, Striving for Success: Black Male Achievement, MBK Omaha with the Obama Foundation, and Skill-Up Omaha are examples of the collective work facilitated by the Network.

Thursday’s sessions will center heavily on entrepreneurship and business development, bringing local entrepreneurs and professionals together with national business leaders for presentations, breakout sessions and discussions about building sustainable businesses and creating long-term economic opportunities.

National speakers scheduled to participate include James Bailey, president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship; Dr. George Fraser, CEO of FraserNet Inc.; Dr. Pamela Jolly, CEO of Torch Enterprises; Dr. Randal Pinkett, managing partner of BCT Partners; Simon T. Bailey, former Disney executive and CEO of Simon Bailey International; and Jaylen Bledsoe, chief executive business officer of The Potter’s House.

The conference comes as the Empowerment Network marks two decades of connecting African-Americans leaders and allies to build stronger communities through partnerships among residents, businesses, faith organizations and community groups. Leadership development and capacity-building are two key pillars for the Empowerment Network.

“For 20 years, this conference has been about bringing people together around opportunity, leadership and collaboration,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder of Empowerment Network. “As we reflect on our collective progress, we’re focused on what’s next.”

The anniversary conference will recognize leaders, residents and community partners who have contributed to that work while examining opportunities for continued economic and community growth.

Collectively, Empowerment Network partners in Omaha have helped to make a measurable impact:

generated a 70% reduction in gun violence
increased graduation rates from 64% to a high of 81%
served as catalysts for over $1.5 billion in public/private investments
launched the rebirth of the North Omaha Village Zone including the 24^th and Lake arts/entertainment district,
reduced unemployment from 21% to a low of 7.5%
partnered with State Senators to support the passage of LB1024 and LB531 which delivered $500 million to North and South Omaha and other communities across the state.

Collaborative partners have also built or renovated over 3,000 housing units, connected over 3,000 adults to employment and created 10,000 job opportunities for youth and young adults. With these successes, cities across the country are now replicating Empowerment Network and 360 models including Kansas City, New Orleans, Tulsa, Lansing, Syracuse, and others.

The conference is designed to connect attendees with information, professional networks and resources related to entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and career development. Sessions will also address leadership, purpose, excellence, collective investments, and community building.

The African American Leadership Conference is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 and from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m at the Village Empowerment Center. Oct. 2 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St.

About Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Celebrating 20 years of collaboration and impact, the organization works to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and in partner communities across the country.

Empowerment Network is supported by sponsors and partners, including the Weitz Family Foundation, City of Omaha, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Revive, Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, American National Bank/Associated Bank, CHI Health, Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Carver Legacy Center, Nebraska Medicine and PRPP Innovations.

Conference registration and additional information are available at aalcomaha.com.

Community Features

Thinking Big & Bold; $14 Million Development in North Omaha

By Co-Publisher, Willie D. Barney, July 2026

How a 12-year vision, bold partners, and persistence helped bring a $14 million job creation project to North Omaha.

A quick story about thinking big and bold. I realized this week that I never shared this behind-the-scenes piece I wrote a few months ago, when OEDC and CHI formally announced a $14 million job creation project that will bring 100 jobs to North Omaha. For me, this project is more than a building, more than a headline, and more than a ribbon cutting. It is a reminder of what can happen when we cast a vision, stay persistent, and believe that our community deserves solutions at scale.

North Omaha has always had talent, faith, creativity, entrepreneurs, families, leaders, and people ready to work. What we have not always had is the level of investment, access, and opportunity needed to match that talent. That is why this announcement matters. It shows what is possible when institutions listen, community leaders push, and partners are bold enough to stay at the table even when the work gets hard.

The Question That Opened the Door

Twelve years ago, I was in a meeting with Ann Schumacher, Pete Festersen, and Kevin Nokels, former vice president at CHI Health. We were discussing partnerships between the Empowerment Network and CHI Health to address needs in the community. Most of the conversation focused on health, which was important and needed. But I kept coming back to another part of community health: jobs, careers, and wages.

We talked initially about Step-Up and filling existing positions. Then Kevin leaned over and said something that stuck with me: “Why don’t you ask us to do something really BIG?”

WOW. I loved it. We were in the early days of creating the Transformation 2025 plan, and we were talking about taking solutions to scale. Kevin opened the door to do exactly that.

From an Idea to a Community Vision

After taking some time to think and pray about it, I called Kevin and said, “What if CHI could help with job creation by bringing one of their business units to North Omaha? What if that move could help address unemployment and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to do business?”

Kevin said, “Now you are talking.”

That was the beginning of a long journey. I asked Vicki Quaites-Ferris, our VP of Operations, to join me, and we started meeting with Kevin and members of his team to figure out ways to make it happen. As the idea gained momentum, we knew we needed a developer. I reached out to Michael Maroney because we had been working together for years on other initiatives. Michael joined in and made a commitment for OEDC to use its expertise and experience to help bring the vision to reality.

The Long Road to Fruition

We went through all kinds of plans, strategies, designs, and proposals. We looked at dozens of locations and buildings throughout North Omaha. We had one in the historic 24th and Lake area that was almost there, but we could not get it across the finish line. We looked at North 30th, Ames, 16th Street, and other locations.

There were barriers. Challenges. Changes in leadership. Then the pandemic hit, causing even more delays. If you have ever been part of real community development work, you know it rarely moves in a straight line. It takes vision, patience, faith, relationships, and a lot of people who refuse to give up.

Through it all, Michael Maroney and Pete Festersen kept pushing forward. I have not been as involved the last four years, other than working with State Senators to help get state funds approved through LB531. But Michael, Pete, OEDC staff, CHI leaders, elected officials, funders, and many others stayed with it and finally brought it to fruition.

A Win Bigger Than One Project

Now, North Omaha will see a $14 million project that is expected to generate more than 100 jobs with competitive wages and benefits. It will also double CHI’s capacity to serve meals across the region. That is impact. That is investment. That is what happens when a community-centered idea is given room to grow into something transformational.

I think it is important to say this plainly: Black communities deserve more than programs that manage poverty. We deserve investments that create ownership, jobs, careers, contracts, business opportunities, and generational impact. We deserve partners who do not just come to the community for meetings, but who are willing to bring real projects, real dollars, and real opportunity.

The Lesson: Ask Big, Stay Bold

This project reminds me why we have to keep thinking big. Sometimes the first idea is not big enough. Sometimes the first location does not work. Sometimes the timeline stretches far beyond what we expected. But when the vision is rooted in community and the partners remain committed, the outcome can still be powerful.

I am incredibly encouraged to see what is possible when we think big, cast a bold vision, and work with partners who are willing to stick with it even when it gets hard. Congratulations to OEDC and CHI Health. This is a big win for North Omaha, for the city, and for the region.

OEDCOmaha Empowerment Network hashtagTransformation2025

NEWS

Rebuilding the Village Conference Brings Local, National Leaders to Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. (May 15, 2026) — The Empowerment Network convened local, national and international leaders May 6-8 in Omaha for the 19th annual Rebuilding the Village Conference, a three-day gathering focused on collaboration, economic opportunity and community transformation.

“For nearly two decades, Rebuilding the Village has been a place where people come together to share what is working, learn from one another and strengthen the relationships needed to move communities forward,” said Willie Barney, CEO & Founder, Empowerment Network.

The conference brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, advocates and residents for keynote conversations, breakout sessions and strategy discussions focused on safer neighborhoods, stronger families, entrepreneurship, education, housing, reentry, violence prevention and Transformation 2030.

The conference concluded Friday, May 8, at the Hilton Omaha Downtown with the Rebuilding the Village Conference and Luncheon. The day’s theme, “Intentional Collaboration: Working Together to Create Places Where We Can All Win,” guided conversations on measurable, community-led progress.

“For nearly two decades, Rebuilding the Village has been a place where people come together to share what is working, learn from one another and strengthen the relationships needed to move communities forward,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder of the Empowerment Network. “This year was especially important as we advanced Transformation 2030 and focused on the next level of intentional collaboration.”

Transformation 2030 builds on the Empowerment Network’s work in North Omaha and partner cities, with goals tied to education, employment, housing, entrepreneurship, health, public safety, civic engagement and community development. The initiative includes goals of 100% of students reading on grade level, a 90%-plus high school graduation rate, 2,000 families connected to higher-wage jobs, 250 businesses launched or scaled with employees, 2,500 housing units developed, 60% homeownership in North Omaha and a 50% reduction in gun violence and incarceration.

Photo: Thelma French, CEO of Total Community Action, New Orleans

The conference featured speakers and representatives from Omaha and other cities, including Cleveland, Durham, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Lansing, Michigan; Minneapolis; New Orleans; St. Louis; Syracuse, New York; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sessions highlighted strategies in education, housing, business growth, workforce development, violence prevention, cultural tourism, health access, fund development, neighborhood revitalization and communications.

Breakout sessions focused on reaching education goals, creating housing through innovation and collaboration, doubling the number of Black-owned businesses with employees, connecting residents to higher-wage careers, reducing violence while decreasing arrests and juvenile detention, expanding cultural tourism and improving access to quality health care.

“Rebuilding the Village continues to be a powerful platform for bringing people together around what works,” said Jonathan Chapman, vice president of community collaboratives for the Empowerment Network. “The value is in the relationships, the shared learning and the commitment to take practical strategies back into neighborhoods, organizations and cities.”

The luncheon keynote panel focused on the national and global expansion of intentional collaboration through Empowerment Network 360, Village Strategies and Business Exchanges. National leaders shared lessons from their local work and discussed how coordinated, community-driven strategies can strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity.

The Rebuilding the Village Conference also served as a platform for advancing the Empowerment Network’s broader mission of connecting people and partners, communicating solutions and collaborating to address community issues. Since 2006, more than 10,000 residents and hundreds of partners have worked through the Network to support progress in jobs, safety, education, housing and health.

“Events like Rebuilding the Village are so important because they showcase Black talent locally and nationally in a way people don’t always get to see,” said Sheri Moore, Rebuilding the Village vendor and founder, Valincia’s Daughter. “They also create space for Black entrepreneurs who may not always have a place to sell their products and connect with the community.”

Rebuilding the Village is supported by sponsors like American National Bank/Associated Bank, Carver Legacy Center, CHI Health, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and PPRP Innovations, along with partners including The Charles E. Lakin Foundation, the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBK), Revive and Weitz Family Foundation.

As a My Brother’s Keeper Model Community, MBK Omaha and the Empowerment Network are working with partners to build safer communities and connect more young people to opportunity. MBK Omaha was selected as a Model Community for demonstrating population-level impact in Milestone 6, focused on keeping youth safe from violent crime and providing second chances.

In alignment with the purpose of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, this year’s conference includes sessions focused on driving change, investing in the community, supporting students and helping them identify their strengths, gifts and talents.

To learn more about the Rebuilding the Village Conference, visit empoweromaha.com